There was heartbreak for Ademola Lookman and his Atalanta teammates following their disappointing defeat to Juventus in the final of the Coppa Italia on Wednesday. The Black and Blues fought hard till the end but were ultimately undone by their poor start to the game as Dusan Vlahovic’s first-half strike proved to be the difference.
Gian Piero Gasperini’s side went into the Coppa Italia final on the back of a seven-game unbeaten run that had seen them record impressive wins over the likes of Fiorentina, Olympique Marseille and AS Roma.
That run coincided with an upturn in form for Lookman, who had been involved in seven goals in his previous seven matches (three goals and four assists). The Nigeria international was, therefore, given a starting spot against Juventus as Gasperini named an attacking line-up.
In the absence of Gianluca Scamacca, who was suspended for the final due to accumulation of yellow cards, Lookman played alongside Charles De Ketelaere up top in a 3-4-1-2 formation. Atalanta, however, made a disastrous start to the game when they fell behind after just four minutes.
Ademola Lookman’s hopes of winning the double dashed
Gasperini’s side played a high line and were punished for it when Juventus turned over possession in midfield, with Andrea Cambiasso’s pass putting Dusan Vlahovic through on goal. The Serbian striker took one more touch before finishing with his weaker right foot to open the scoring.
The goal stunned Atalanta, and the Black and Blues couldn’t recover from the shock of conceding so early in the game. Despite enjoying the larger share of possession, Atalanta couldn’t muster a single shot on target in 90 minutes.
Lookman, however, went close to snatching the equaliser late in the game, but his effort ricocheted off the post. Juventus would hold on to record an important 1-0 win and also lift the Coppa Italia in the process.
The result also ends Lookman’s hopes of winning the double this season. The Nigerian had declared a few days ago that Atalanta were aiming to win the Coppa Italia and the UEFA Europa League but that will no longer be possible due to their defeat in the final of the former.
Lookman and Atalanta still in contention for Europa League
Meanwhile, all is not lost yet for Lookman and Atalanta, who still have an opportunity to end the season on a high and with a trophy. Gasperini’s side are still in contention to finish in the top four of the Serie A, and also in the final of the Europa League, where they’ll be facing Bayer Leverkusen on 22 May.
The Black and Blues currently occupy the fifth position in the Italian topflight, and are just four points behind Juventus. But considering they have a game in hand, Atalanta stand a very good chance of overtaking the Old Lady and enacting revenge on them for their Coppa Italia defeat.
In between their three remaining league games, though, is the Europa League final against Leverkusen. Lookman and his teammates have a huge test ahead against the German champions, who remain unbeaten in all competitions this season.
Xavi Alonso’s side have played 50 matches without tasting defeat, and are also chasing a historic treble. This makes Leverkusen favourites against Alatanta, but the Italian club cannot be underestimated after initiating some giant killings on their way to the final.
Having gotten the better of Sporting Lisbon, Liverpool and Marseille in the knockout stages of the Europa League, Atalanta have shown that they have what it takes to upset any opposition. The Black and Blues have never won a European trophy, and will be counting on Lookman and co. to change that.
The 26-year-old, who was voted Atalanta’s player of the year last season, has been one of the club’s most consistent performers this term, having contributed 12 goals and eight assists in all competitions, and will be key if Atalanta are going to get past Leverkusen to win the Europa League.
